Welcome to the STJVs U12s Warriors

The Sponsor - Tru Homes ....http://www.tru-homes.com/

Tru Homes is one of the South – West’s longest established timber frame companies having been incorporated in 1974. We are extremely grateful to them for supporting our team this year and we hope we can construct some wins and be tru-sportsmen in return!

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Match report - 3 September - Pinhoe Spears (3-3)

The Under 12 Sidmouth Warriors played their only preseason friendly on Saturday, donning their brand new kits kindly sponsored by TruHomes, against last seasons Champions and Cup Winners Pinhoe Spears.

The first half was a very even contest, with Silk and Gosse going close early on for the Warriors. A fierce free kick from Pinhoe was well handled in goal by Ollie Perez. Hayman went close before a breakaway goal saw Pinhoe take the lead. Try as they might for the equaliser the half time whistle blew with the Warriors 1-0 down.

Early in the second half Pinhoe scored again a header from a corner. Silk, Tremlett and Elliot Perez all then went close before Pinhoe made it 3-0. Twenty minutes left and 3 down would see many teams fold, not Sidmouth Warriors, when a Perez cross was volleyed from 20 yards into the net by Ben Gosse every member of the Warriors team started believing. With Mead, Woodruff and Jones strong in defence and Lowe and Gosse winning the midfield battles, this allowed Silk to run at the Pinhoe defence. From one of his runs Tom Cooke struck a sweet shot into the corner of the net to make it 2-3. Then some neat passing between Tremlett, Lowe and Perez let Hayman in to equalise. The final whistle sounded with the Warriors trying for the winner!

The season starts next week and on this performance the Warriors should take plenty of belief with them.

Match report - 10 September - West Hill Wasps ( Lost 4-5)

The Under 12 Sidmouth Warriors let a three goal lead slip to lose in a nine goal thriller in their first league match of the season against local rivals West Hill Wasps.

The first half started quickly with West Hill taking the lead after 5 minutes. The Warriors then went all out on attack and when Kade Hayman scored direct from a great corner to equalise, for the next 25 minutes it was one way traffic. The Warriors kept forcing corners and scored three more from them. The first a Silk corner was forced home by Hayman, the second some bravery in the box from Tremlett enabled Gosse to fire home from the edge of the box and the third saw Cooke head home. The Warriors should have then closed the game out but allowed West Hill back in with 2 breakaway goals just before half time. Alex Thomas then had a great chance, he created for himself, to give the Warriors the imputus back but his placed shot was well saved by West Hills keeper making the half time score 4-3 to the Warriors.

For half an hour of the second half the Warriors were really quiet and kept giving the ball away and if it weren't for some brave defending from Mead and Woodruff, West Hill would have equalised a lot earlier than the 60th minute. Some fine saves by Perez also kept West Hill out until 10 minutes from time when West Hill scored their fifth. The Warriors then came alive for the last 10 minutes and threw everything at West Hill to try and find the equaliser. Tremlett hit the post, Lowe fired over and Hayman's header was cleared off the line. Try as they might the equaliser wouldn’t come and the final whistle blew on an opening day 5-4 defeat.

The team now need to take the positives out of this game for their next league game in 2 weeks time.

Match report - 20 September - Honiton (Won 6-2)

On a dark drizzly night the Warriors produced some quality football scoring and nearly scoring goals in the process in a midweek friendly at local rivals Honiton.

The first half opened with the Warriors firing on all cylinders and deservedly taking the lead through a powerful shot from Buckland. Then, against the run of play, Honiton scored 2 quick goals which stunned the Warriors for the next 15 minutes. After that some great passing movement let Hayman through one on one with the keeper and he slotted home calmly. The game changed from this point, as the Warriors took total control. Further Goals from Woodruff and a stunning strike from Cooke made the half time score 4-2 to the Warriors.

The second half started as the first half finished with the Warriors in control. Shots from Lowe, Tremlett, Thomas and Silk all went close before Buckland scored his second of the game from a corner. Tremlett then had a goal disallowed for offside and Lowe was very unlucky after slotting home a penalty, which was disallowed for encroachment and subsequently missed the retake. Gosse scored the Warriors sixth after another great passing move. Captain Lowe and Mead were outstanding for the Warriors. Further efforts from Hayman, Gosse and Silk all went close but the final whistle blew on a 6-2 victory.

The new formation of 3-2-3-2 worked well, allowing the Warriors to dominate in midfield and find space for their passing moves. Sinker and Ollie Perez looked solid in goal, while Jones, De Grouchy and Mead were strong in defence. Lowe and Woodruff played excellently in front of the defence, allowing Silk and Buckland room on the flanks. Gosse and Cooke used the spare man role just behind the strikers well, passing the ball around, and Hayman, Tremlett and Thomas looked goal hungry up front. Elliot Perez also looked very strong when he came on.

The Warriors now need to take this performance into Saturdays League Game at St Martins.

Match Report - 24 September - St Martins (2-2)

A gritty performance from Sidmouth Warriors U12’s earned them a hard fought point against a strong St Martins side.

The Warriors started off very lethargically against a very good St Martins side. A couple of early chances saw Hayman and Tremlett go close before 2 goals from St Martins saw them gain the upper hand. The Warriors then had to dig really deep and with Mead and Woodruff very strong at the back and Captain Lowe tackling like his life depended on it; the game began to swing in the Warrior's favour. Gosse produced a man of the match performance in midfield with a great passing display. His neat passing led to Tremlett firing home just before the break to reduce the deficit.

The second half saw the Warriors create a lot of chances. The move of the match started by Gosse, saw some magic wing play by Silk, who went on one of his mazy runs before sending over a great cross which Hayman just failed to convert. Just after this a corner from Buckland found Tremlett who fired home his second of the match. After this the game was end to end before Mead was unluckily ajudged to have brought down the St Martins winger in the box. Ollie Perez, in goal, made a fantastic save from the resulting penalty to the jubilation of his team mates and supporters. The whistle blew soon afterwards. The 2-2 final score was a fair result and gives the Warriors something to build on next week.

Match Report -1 October - Stoke Hill Rangers (lost 1-4)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s put in a gutsy performance against Stoke Hill Rangers on a boiling hot morning but came away with nothing.

The Warriors started off better than in their previous game and created a number of chances with Gosse providing the passes and Silk, Hayman and Tremlett all going close. Stoke Hill fought hard with a game plan of catching the Warriors on the break which for the first 30 minutes the Warriors coped with very well. Then with half time looming and the Warriors on top a cross from Stoke Hill was spilled to the feet of their striker who put the ball into an empty net.

Within two minutes of the second half the situation got worse for the Warriors with Stoke Hill catching them on the break and making it 2-0. Once again the Warriors showed great spirit and inspired by Lowe dominated the next 20 minutes with Woodruff , Gosse and Tremlett having a lot of success down the right providing superb crosses. Unfortunately for the Warriors they only scored from one of them a header from Elliot Perez. Hayman also created a great chance out of nothing but put it wide. With the Warriors all out on attack it played right into Stoke Hills hands and they broke away and scored their 3rd, before a penalty made it 4. Again the Warriors never gave up and when the final whistle went on a 4-1 defeat the boys looked tired out as they had given everything.

Match Report - 5 November - Tedburn Panthers (lost 2-6)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s started strongly against table toppers Tedburn Panthers at home but ended with nothing.

The Warriors were fired up from the start as they’d waited 4 weeks for a game. For the first 20 minutes all the momentum was with the Warriors they were winning every battle all over the pitch with Lowe pulling the strings in midfield and Mead bossing the defence. Sidmouth were very strong at set pieces and were causing Tedburn problems everytime from Lowes freekicks and Silks corners. It was no surprise when Cooke headed home from a Silks corner and then Hayman headed in from a Lowe freekick to give the Warriors a 2-0 advantage. Two more good chances were created and unfortunately missed before Tedburn beat the offside trap to pull one back. From this moment Tedburn took control and gained the upper hand. The Warriors lost their shape and confidence and Tedburn capitalised scoring 2 more goals before half time to make the score 3-2.

Try as they might the Warriors couldn’t find any rhythm in the second half. They created a couple of chances with Silk and Hayman going close but Tedburn made it very difficult for the Warriors to pass the ball around which resulted in a lot of frustration and loss of possession. If it wasn’t for some outstanding defensive play from man of the match Ethan Mead and some fine saves from Ollie Perez the score could have ended a lot worse than the 6-2 loss.

Four Games gone 3 defeats and a draw the Warriors really now need to kick start their season.

Match Report - 12th November - Inter Heavitree (Cup Game) - (won 9-1)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s finally produced a performance for the full 70 minutes in the first round of the cup away to Inter Heavitree.

After last weeks disappointment the Warriors were determined to put in a display to make everyone proud and that is exactly what they did right from the start. Matt Jones produced a man of the match display with a great performance at left back. Ben Gosse back after injury showed just what the team were missing with some great hold up play and passing. He scored 2 and set up one for Tremlett as the Warriors went 3 up inside 15 minutes. More chances came and went from Lowe, Gosse and Tremlett before 2 cracking finishes from Silk and Thomas put the Warriors deservedly 5-0 ahead. A lapse in concentration allowed Inter to pull one back just before half time.

The second half started with the Warriors in total dominance passing the ball around comfortably, more chances were created and missed by Sinker, Lowe and others before a fantastic through ball from Cooke left Tremlett one on one with the keeper and he coolly slotted home. Inter did have a couple of chances one of which produced an outstanding save from Perez but it was the Warriors who looked as though they were going to score more. Both Gosse and Tremlett then got their hatricks before another great through ball from Cooke let Gosse in for his fourth. Special mentions for Toby De Grouchy and Tom Woodruff at the back who along with Jones allowed the team to dominate. The final whistle blew with the Warriors still looking for more goals but a 9-1 first win of the season was reason enough for the team to be proud of that performance.

We now need to produce this kind of display in the League. Well done boys.

Match Report-19th November - Crediton Youth (won 7-1)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s got their league campaign up and running with a comprehensive victory away to Crediton Youth.

For the first 20 minutes the Warriors played some great football. Elliot Perez scored after only 2 minutes then both Tremlett and Gosse went close before Crediton started to fight back. Silk then made it 2 for the Warriors before Crediton had a goal ruled out for offside. Gosse and Cooke had great chances before the Warriors switched off and allowed Crediton back in the game. From a free kick Crediton scored from the rebound to make the half time score 2-1.

After a long half time team talk the Warriors came out fired up for the second half with Tremlett making it 3 after only 5 minutes. Mead, Hayman and Buckland were strong at the back this allowed the team to get the ball down and pass it around. Cooke was having a field day spraying the ball to the wings and putting great balls through for the strikers. One of these through balls led to Silk scoring the fourth then 5 minutes later he completed his hatrick. Further goals from Hayman and a great half volley from 20 yards from Perez completed the scoring. A7-1 final scoreline could have read more.

The Warriors now need to take the last 2 results and performances into the run of challenging games ahead.

Match Report-26th November- Cully Rangers (lost 2-1)

With 4 Players out Sidmouth Warriors U12’s were down to the bare 11 players for their league match against high flying Cully Rangers.

Everyone of those 11 boys gave everything for the entire match. The back 4 of De Gruchy, Buckland, Mead and Jones after a nervous first 15 minutes when Cully scored played their hearts out and defended stoutly. Perez and Lowe in the middle battled courageously and fed some great balls to Woodruff and Silk on the wings, who in turn put in some fabulous crosses. Tremlett up front with Sinker got the deserved equaliser just before half time and some excellent saves by Ollie Perez made the half time score 1-1.

Because the Warrriors were playing a high line Cully decided their tactics in the second half was to play long balls over the top for their speedy striker to chase. For the first 20 minutes Sidmouth coped admirably with man of the match Perez outstanding in goal. Then the relentless tactics paid off and Cully scored. Sidmouth to their huge credit never gave up trying to play football and even with tired legs created some great chances, one of which saw Sinker score his first ever goal with a great lob from 20 yards which found the roof of the net. Try as they might to contain, Cully scored another route one goal with 5 minutes remaining. The Warriors kept going and were very unlucky not to get a last minute penalty when Perez was hacked down on the edge of the box.

Tears at the end showed how much effort , passion and energy the boys had shown. Losing 3-2 in that manner was very unlucky. Everyone associated with the team were extremely proud of the boys.

Match Report - 2 December - Feniton (4-4)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s fought hard in their local derby league match away to Feniton but had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The Warriors were out of the blocks quickly scoring after 2 minutes an inviting corner from Silk was headed home by Hayman. Unfortunately this lead lasted 5 minutes but 2 opportunist goals from the impressive Cooke gave the Warriors a healthy looking lead. Again this didn’t last as Feniton broke away and scored. Shots at either end went close before a 20 yard piledriver from Woodruff restored the Warriors 2 goal advantage and it stayed like that until half time.

The half time team talk was along the lines of keep it tight at the back, keep the ball and create chances of our own. What happened for the first 15 minutes was completely different with Feniton scoring 2 to equalise. Untimely injuries to both Buckland and Jones seemed to galvanise the Warriors who then woke up and started gaining confidence and creating chances. Woodruff was outstanding at the back and with Silk weaving his magic on the wing the Warriors began to take control of the game. Sinker was put clean through but their goalie made himself big and thwarted the chance. Silk was putting over some cracking crosses which the Warriors failed to capitalise on. Then with 2 minutes left a lovely through ball from Lowe saw Elliot Perez outmuscle the defender to leave him one on one with their keeper , who once again came out on top. Ollie Perez in goal put in a top class performance for the Warriors and De Gruchy continues to impress in defence. The full time whistle blew, if only the Warriors could hold on to a lead!.

Match Report Saturday 10th December 2011 (won 3-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s produced their best display of the season as they comfortably beat Brixington Blues in a crucial away league match. Crucial because a defeat would have meant the Warriors cut adrift in the bottom 3 but a win meant they climbed into mid table.

Right from the kick off the Warriors put 7 passes together which seemed to set their confidence sky high and from this everything they’d practised in training for the last couple of months came off. Lowe and Elliot Perez were winning the battles in midfield which freed the ball up for Cooke who played some fantastic balls out to Silk and Buckland on the wings. Tremlett went close twice, one a mazy run from inside his own half, before a cracking finish from the outstanding Silk put the Warriors one up. One became Two when a fantastic passing move saw Silk send in a pinpoint cross from the right, Tremlett hit the post and Buckland scored from the rebound. Brixington tried to fight back but the central defensive pairing of Hayman and Woodruff worked excellently together and stopped Brixington creating anything. On the few occasions they did get through Ollie Perez was magnificent in goal. De Gruchy and Jones the 2 full backs stopped the wingers getting any crosses in and were setting up attacks themselves for the Warriors. The half ended with the Warriors in charge and creating more chances.

The second half saw Brixington come out strongly but the Warriors defence once again stood firm allowing them few chances which when called upon saw Perez make some great saves. Cooke was outstanding in his free role, strong in the tackle and combining brilliantly with Silk and Tremlett. Further chances came and went from Sinker, Silk , Tremlett and Cooke, before Tremlett got his deserved goal after another great cross from Silk. The Warriors kept their shape brilliantly all game and held firm for the last 15 minutes and if anything were unlucky not to score a fourth Silk going close on a number of occasions. An excellent performance enjoyed by everyone including the referee! And a clean sheet to boot.

Match Report Saturday 7th January 2012 (won 3-1)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s battling spirit, dogged determination and flashes of quality helped them beat St Martins in a very hard fought contest at home in the league.

The first half saw very few chances at each end with both defences on top. Woodruff and Hayman were outstanding in the centre of defence and man of the match De Gruchy never let St Martins’ useful winger get passed, meaning Perez had little to do in the first half. Cooke picked up where he left off from his last game and anything the Warriors created he was key to. Apart from a couple of half chances from Gosse and Silk the Warriors had to settle for a 0-0 half time score.

The second half started with the Warriors beginning to create down the right with Silk putting in some great crosses which saw Cooke and Perez going close. St Martins then thought they’d scored with a breakaway goal unfortunately for them both players had strayed offside. The Warriors kept focused and tight with Lowe starting to get on top in midfield. From one of his 50/50 battles he found Cooke who set Silk free, he beat his defender and from 20 yards struck a sweet shot into the top corner to the joy of his team and supporters. Within 5 minutes the impressive Cooke found himself on the half way line one against one with his defender as he got to the box he outmuscled his opponent and as the keeper advanced slotted the ball into the bottom corner for a terrific goal. Just when it looked as though that had made the game safe a cross came in from St Martins which was unluckily diverted in by one of the Warriors defenders. Great credit goes to the Warriors who didn’t let the goal affect them and when Sinker scored from an acute angle with 2 minutes left it was no more than they deserved.

A 3-1 victory making 2 wins on the trot and a mid table position. Well Done Boys.

Match Report - Saturday 14th January 2012 (0-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s were outstanding against high flying Stoke Hill Rangers away in the league and were very unlucky not to come away with all the points.

After back to back wins the Warriors started very confidently against a good Stoke Hill team. Cooke and Silk were linking up well down the right and created chances for Buckland and Perez who both went close. The back 4 of Jones, Woodruff, Hayman and Mead kept it very tight at the back and on the few occasions Stoke Hill did get through Ollie Perez was outstanding making one fantastic save. The great thing about the Warriors in recent weeks is that they hold their shape well and are really playing as a team. Gosse up front held the ball up well and went close on at least 3 occasions before Sinker beat his defender and the goalie before stroking the ball goalwards only to be denied by a last ditch block on the line from Stoke Hill’s defender. The half time whistle blew with the score 0-0 and the Warriors on top.

The second half was much the same as the first with man of the match Silk outstanding, he put in some great crosses and had a number of efforts on goal one a volley from 20 yards which narrowly missed. Lowe and Perez had to put a real shift in as Stoke Hill sensed because it was 0-0 that they could snatch it. Great defending by Woodruff and Hayman stopped them having many chances. With 5 minutes left a pinpoint corner from Silk was headed goalwards by Gosse but one again Stoke Hill cleared it off the line. With time running out Stoke Hill managed to get through the Warriors defence but just when they thought they were going to score Silk appeared from nowhere to clear the danger. Shortly afterwards the whistle blew on a 0-0 draw which didn’t tell the whole story!

Unbeaten now in 4 and with a bit more luck it could have been 3 wins on the trot. What is more satisfying though is the way the team are playing. Keep it up boys.

Match Report - Saturday 21st January 2012 (won 13-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s overwhelmed Broadclyst at home in the Cup to set up a quarter final tie against Crediton Saints.

The Warriors were slow to get going against opposition from a league below. To Broadclysts credit they never gave up throughout the game despite it being one way traffic. It took the Warriors 10 minutes before they finally broke through after missing chance after chance. Ollie Perez in goal for the Warriors only had one thing to do all morning but do it he did a great save from Broadclysts only shot on goal. Elliot Perez’s goal sparked a passage of good passing play from the Warriors, further goals from Lowe (his first of the season) Perez again, Silk and Thomas made it comfortable before a great header from Cooke made the half time score 6-0.

The second half was the same as the first with the Warriors missing countless chances. Haymans classy finish made it 7 before further goals from Sinker, Buckland 2 and 2 more from Silk to complete his hat-trick made it 12 with 5 minutes left. De Gruchy then found himself in space just outside the box and with everyone encouraging him to shoot he cracked a shot which was heading for the top corner but was brilliantly saved by Broadclysts keeper. Cooke was brought down in the dying minutes which allowed Elliot Perez to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot and make the final score 13-0.

Harder games are to follow but it extends Warriors unbeaten run to 5 games.

Match Report - Saturday 18th February 2012 (won 3-2)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s started poorly but finished very strongly against Brixington Blues at home in a very important league match.

The Warriors on a run of 5 games unbeaten but a month without a game, started very slowly against Brixington. Sloppy passing, half hearted tackling and poor finishing gave Brixington the upper hand especially after the Warriors gifted them a goal after 10 minutes. Man of the Match Silk was tirelessly working down the right wing and putting over some great crosses which Perez, Buckland, Lowe, Mead and Cooke all missed before Brixington scored again just before half time. A fine save by Sinker stopped the situation becoming any worse.

A long and fruitful half time team talk saw the Warriors come out a different team in the second half. 30 seconds in Cooke had a great shot well saved by their keeper. Every 50/50 was now being won by the Warriors and some great passing from Jones in defence saw the Warriors create chance after chance. Inevitably it was only a matter of time before the Warriors scored and ten minutes in Mead pulled one back. This goal lifted everybody and another Jones pass let Perez in, who in turn found Buckland, his persistence paid off when his initial shot was saved and he was still there to coolly smash home the rebound. The Warriors could sense a dramatic winner and with 5 minutes left it came, a great corner from Lowe was powerfully headed home by Cooke. Brixington tried to get back into the game but the Warriors defence of De Gruchy, Woodruff, Hayman and Jones stood firm. The final whistle blew on a 3-2 Warriors victory and a really great comeback.

Six games unbeaten now, this should set up a classic Cup Quarter Final against Crediton Saints next week.

Match Report - Saturday 25th February 2012 (lost 2-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s unbeaten run came to an end, in a game where they gave everything and came away with nothing, in the Quarter Finals of the Cup at home to Crediton Saints who are in a League above.

Crediton started strongly and were the better team for 10 minutes and made this count by scoring. The goal galvanised the Warriors and they started to win all the battles all over the pitch. Woodruff and Hayman were outstanding in defence and dealt with everything Crediton threw at them. Lowe in midfield gave a captains performance and covered every blade of grass dominating proceedings. The Warriors created numerous chances with Silk and Cooke going very close. The half time whistle blew with the Warriors on top but Crediton with the lead.

The second half started the way the first half had finished with the Warriors on top. A great chance was missed when 3 Warriors players got in each others way when it looked easier to score. More chances came and went with Lowe, Silk and Cooke pulling the strings in midfield. What the Warriors lacked was the final ball and somebody to put it in the net. What the Warriors had was passion, commitment, hard work and a fantastic attitude. With 15 minutes to go a brave save by Sinker led to him twisting his leg and having to be carried off. Hayman went in goal and Mead slotted into defence superbly. The Warriors kept the pressure on but couldn’t find a goal and with 2 minutes left the inevitable happened, with the Warriors chasing the equaliser, Crediton launched a counter attack and scored. To their superb credit the Warriors kept going to the final whistle and when it did blow the players knew they had given everything.

Crediton knew they had been in a match and praised the Warriors performance. On another day and with a bit of luck the Warriors could and should have won.

Match Report - Saturday 3rd March 2012 (lost 2-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s unbeaten run came to an end, in a game where they gave everything and came away with nothing, in the Quarter Finals of the Cup at home to Crediton Saints who are in a League above.

Crediton started strongly and were the better team for 10 minutes and made this count by scoring. The goal galvanised the Warriors and they started to win all the battles all over the pitch. Woodruff and Hayman were outstanding in defence and dealt with everything Crediton threw at them. Lowe in midfield gave a captains performance and covered every blade of grass dominating proceedings. The Warriors created numerous chances with Silk and Cooke going very close. The half time whistle blew with the Warriors on top but Crediton with the lead.

The second half started the way the first half had finished with the Warriors on top. A great chance was missed when 3 Warriors players got in each others way when it looked easier to score. More chances came and went with Lowe, Silk and Cooke pulling the strings in midfield. What the Warriors lacked was the final ball and somebody to put it in the net. What the Warriors had was passion, commitment, hard work and a fantastic attitude. With 15 minutes to go a brave save by Sinker led to him twisting his leg and having to be carried off. Hayman went in goal and Mead slotted into defence superbly. The Warriors kept the pressure on but couldn’t find a goal and with 2 minutes left the inevitable happened, with the Warriors chasing the equaliser, Crediton launched a counter attack and scored. To their superb credit the Warriors kept going to the final whistle and when it did blow the players knew they had given everything.

Crediton knew they had been in a match and praised the Warriors performance. On another day and with a bit of luck the Warriors could and should have won.

Match Report Saturday 10th March 2012 (lost 2-0)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s after a promising 1st half lost their way and got beaten in this League Match away from home by high flying Cullompton Rangers.

The Warriors started strongly with Cooke providing the creative spark and Lowe and the defenders Woodruff and Hayman fighting for every ball. Ollie Perez produced a magnificent man of the match performance in goal for the Warriors denying the Cullompton forwards any time in the few occasions they did get through in the first half. The best chance for the Warriors came from a Silk cross which Sinker was unlucky not to bundle home after their goalkeeper fumbled. The first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate with both sides cancelling each other out.

The second half saw the Warriors lose their way and they really struggled to string any passes together. This enabled Cullompton to gain control and put the Warriors defence under extreme pressure. Perez was superb and saved chance after chance that Cullompton created before finally Cullomptons pressure paid with a strike that even Perez couldn’t keep out. 5 minutes later Cullompton were awarded a dubious penalty but a fantastic save from Perez kept the Warriors in the game. This spurred the team on and the Warriors began to start winning the midfield battles again until a reckless challenge by the opponents saw Lowe having to be carried from the field. Soon after Cullompton scored a second and try as they might the Warriors didn’t have a shot on goal in the second half until a last minute strike from Sinker was saved by Cullys keeper.

The Warriors really need to learn how to keep the ball, we will be working on that in training this week before next weeks crucial league match against Feniton.

Match Report Saturday 17th March 2012 (lost 4-2)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s produced a very brave performance with a depleted team against Feniton in an important league match at home.

With just the bare 11 players before kick off the Warriors knew they were in for a tough time against very determined opposition. For the first 25 minutes though the Warriors played some lovely passing football with Cooke pulling the strings and the defence of Captain Jones, Hayman, De Gruchy and Man of the Match Woodruff making sure nothing got through at the other end. Silk, Cooke and Tremlett all went close before Cooke smashed home a close range shot to give the Warriors a deserved lead. Tremlett then on his last game for the Warriors had a great chance to make it 2 but fired over. With Elliot Perez carrying an injury in the heart of midfield and hardly being able to move Feniton got back into the game and scored just before half time to make it 1-1.

With Perez unable to continue the Warriors started the second half with 10 players and Feniton made the extra player count scoring 2 early goals. To the Warriors massive credit they found extra strength to come right back into the game, with Cooke going close twice before Tremlett’s strike gave the Warriors real hope. Unfortunately Ollie Perez whilst making an outstanding save injured his knee in the process but bravely carried on. Feniton exploited this weakness with a low shot which found the corner of the net with Perez unable to dive. The Warriors kept going, with Hayman going up front and Silk determined as ever down the wing they created a few more chances before the final whistle went on a 4-2 defeat.

Match Report Saturday 24th March 2012(lost 6-3)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s produced a spirited performance against high flying Tedburn away in their penultimate league match of the season.

The Warriors got off to the worst possible start as Tedburn literally scored straight from the kick off. The sloping pitch meant the Warriors spent most of the first half defending with Perez again outstanding in goal making a number of fantastic saves. Hayman, Mead, De Gruchy and Jones defended bravely, before the Warriors started to get back in the game with Cooke scoring a deserved equalizer. Tedburn were then awarded a penalty which Perez magnificently saved. Silk was working tirelessly on the wing putting in some great crosses and Elliot Perez was battling all over the park. Tedburns pressure finally paid off with 2 goals before half time.

The half time team talk was buoyant because the wind and slope favoured the Warriors in the second half. Everyone thought they could get something out the game and this seemed real when Cooke smashed home a free kick after Silk had been fouled early on. What the Warriors needed now was to defend strongly and keep pressurising Tedburns defence. They did the latter but switched off in defence allowing Tedburn to score 3 goals in 5 minutes. Woodruff then moved back to defence and Man of the Match Hayman was moved into midfield. This culminated in the Warriors best spell. For the last 15 minutes it was one way traffic. Hayman scored with a ferocious free kick and Silk, Thomas, Hayman and Cooke all went close before the final whistle sounded on a 6-3 defeat.

The team are really missing their 2 injured players Lowe and Gosse but battled bravely and played some lovely football in patches. They now need to put everything into their last game of the season against West Hill next week.

Match Report Saturday 31st March 2012 (lost 4-1)

Sidmouth Warriors U12’s fought hard in their final league game of the season away to champions West Hill but came away with nothing.

The Warriors with the bare 11 players once again started brightly and looked very strong in defence with Jones and Woodruff outstanding and Mead and Cooke threatening upfront. When West Hill did get through Perez was once again immense in goal. Cooke then struck a perfect free kick from 25 yards into the top corner to give the Warriors the lead. This spurred the Warriors on and if only they could have got a second at that point the game could have been so different. Silk had a ferocious shot saved and Sinker had his shot cleared off the line. West Hill then started to take a grip of the game and scored 2 breakaway goals before half time to give them the lead.

The second half was a real battle and the Warriors gave everything with Silk and Sinker both showing real battling qualities. Sinker was causing trouble to their defence and was unlucky after muscling himself a great chance which was well saved by the West Hill keeper. West Hill had two very quick strikers and their tactics paid dividends with another 2 goals to show in the second half. Cooke went close again before the final whistle sounded on a 4-1 defeat for the Warriors.

Now the work starts in preparation for next season on the training ground and getting the injured players fit for September.

End of Season awards

The end of season awards took place at Newton Pop playing fields in surprisingly good weather - after an entertaining parents vs juniors match and barbeque thanks were given to all players helpers and parents and comments given on all players for their performance's this season.

Simon thanked Chris and Steve for all their help in the season and a big thank you was given to Simon for all his hard work as manager.

We also welcomed a couple of new players to join us next season - James McCullin returns and newcomer Sam Sparks - welcome boys

Well done everyone and thanks for all your input support and hard work. We are looking forward to next season - a well earned break first though.

Keep fit over summer boys ... next season will be a challenge on bigger pitches and bigger goals

The Award Winners for 2012 are shown in the picture below

Exeter Youth League Player of the Season - Tom Woodruff (award to be collected 27th May)Managers Player - Kade Hayman and Jack SilkTop Scorer - Tom CookePlayers Player - Ollie PerezMost Improved Player - Toby De GruchyClubman of the Year - Matt Jones